Destructive Interference Mediated Topological Transitions in Bilayer Metasurfaces
Abstract
Optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) are polarization singularities with integer topological charges (ν) in momentum space, whose far-field radiation vanishes in the surrounding radiative states. Here, we study the dynamic evolution of topological charges in symmetry-protected BICs within bilayer metasurfaces. Governed by threefold rotation symmetry (C_{3}), the topological charges obey ν=3n+1 (n∈Z). Theoretically and experimentally, we demonstrate that merely tuning the spacer thickness of the bilayer metasurfaces induces a topological transition from a fundamental charge (ν=1, n=0) to a high-level charge (ν=-2, n=-1) without modifying symmetry. Perturbation theory reveals this transition occurs when the first derivative of the far-field radiation with respect to the Bloch wave number k vanishes at Γ, induced by destructive bilayer interference. This interference simultaneously enhances the quality factors of near-Γ resonances and alters their scaling laws from O(k^{-2}) to O(k^{-4}). Our work introduces a symmetry-preserved mechanism to dynamically control BIC topology.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 136
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 043801–043801
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Language
- EN